Jimmy Albans believes Belper Town are improving despite latest defeat

Joe Naylor

Boss Jimmy Albans says his Belper Town side are improving despite their 2-0 at Blyth Spartans.

Two goals by Spartans winger Jarrett Rivers proved to be the difference as relegation-threatened Belper wasted good opportunities throughout the game.

The result is yet another blow to the Nailers as they attempt the great escape.

“I though we created the better opportunities in the game, and we were much better organised and gave the opposition few chances to create,” said Albans.

“Of course, the difference was they took their chances and we didn’t, but the most important thing is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

“I though Froggatt should have had a penalty in the first half, and if Williams had gone down in the second half, we probably would have had a penalty there too.

“It’s vital that we change the mentality at this club now, the players can’t think it’s ok to lose a game.

“We’ll be training twice a week every week, with Tuesday being tactical shape and fitness, and Thursday being set pieces and a lighter session.

“With this change, I believe it can make a big difference.”

Albans also praised forward Jon Froggatt, who he replaced as manager, for his efforts in recovering from what he believed was a ‘serious knock’.

“Jon is really beginning to get back to his old self again, and that fantastic for us.

“It’s taken some real guts for him to go out there and give everything on the pitch for us in recent weeks, but he is showing he still has the hunger for it.

“Saturday was the first time he has played 90 minutes for months, and that’s a massive step forward.”

There were two more debuts for Belper on Saturday, with Jonathan Williams and Scott Mathews taking up positions on the wing. And Albans has expressed his desire to continue to shop in the market.

“There will more players coming here, that’s for sure,” he added. “We’re trying very hard to make sure it happens and we’ve got a clear idea of what we believe we need to improve. Hopefully we can get new faces in over the next few weeks.”

The Nailers’ next fixture comes on Saturday with a league game at the Marston’s Stadium against Ramsbottom United, 3pm kick off.